A Christian exercise, Containing an easy entrance INTO THE PRINCIPLES OF RELIgion, and the chiefest points of our salvation in Christ, with a direction for all Christians, into the true service of God. By W. HORN. GOD IS MY DEFENDER AT LONDON; Printed by Robert Walde- grave, dwelling without Temple-bar, near unto Somerset house. An easy entrance into the principles of Religion. john. 17.3. This is life eternal, that they know thee to be the only very God, and whom thou haste sent, jesus Christ. 1. Peter. 3.15.16. Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason, of the hope that is to you, and that with meekness & reverence. Question. Who hath need thee, and all things else? Answer. (1) Isa. 44.2. psal. 139 13.14. nihe. 9.6. GOD. Question. What is God? Answer. (2) joh. 4.24. ier. 10.10. gen. 17.1. deut. 32.39. mat. 28.19. 1. ioh. 5.7. A spirit, a knighty, & eternal, one in essence, and yet three distinct persons, the Father, Son, and holy Ghost. Question. Wherefore hath he made thee? Answer. To know him, and worship him. Question. How is he known? Answer. (1) Psal. 19.1. rom 1.20. ioh. 5.39. ioh. 4.24. By his works, and word. Question. How must he be worshipped? Answer, In spirit and truth. Question. What is truth? Answer. His holy word, containing the Law and the Gospel. Question. What is the Law? Answer. (2) Exod. 20. deut. 5.6.7. mat. 22.37.38.39. That which is comprehended in the ten commandements. Question. What requireth he of us? Answer. Love to God, and love to our Neighbours. Question. How is God to be loved? Answer. With all the heart with all the soul, and with all the mind. Question. How is this known? Answer. (1) Phil. 37.8. heb. 11.24.25 If we prefer his glory and worship before all things. Question. How is our neighbour loved? Answer. (2) Math. 7.12. If we do to him as we would be done by. Question. Doth any man herein satisfy the Law? Answer. (3) Galat. 3.22. No, and therefore all are concluded under sin. Question. How so? Answer. (4) Deut. 27.26, Because it curseth all that do it not, and none do it. Question. How are we then delivered from the curse and bondage of the Law? Answer. (1) Galat. 4.4.5. gal. 3.13. By jesus Christ that kept it, and was accursed for us. Question. How knowest thou this? Answer. By the Gospel. Question. What is the Gospel? Answer. (2) Rom. 1.16. The power of God to salvation to every believer, proclaiming forgiveness in Christ. Question. What is Christ? Answer. (3) Math. 17.5. heb 1.2.3. luk. 1.11. heb. 1.9. The son of the living God, our saviour anointed. Question. Why callest than him anointed? Answer. For that he is King, Prophet, and Priest. Question. Why a King? Answer. (1) Psal. 26. luk. 1.32.33. To reign and rule over us. Question. Why is he a Prophet? Answer. (2) Math. 17.5. heb. 1.2. To teach us his fathers will. Question. Why is he a Priest? Answer. (3) Heb. 9. 1●. For that he hath sacrificed for us. Question. What hath he sacrificed for us? Answer. That part of himself that suffered. Question. What suffered in Christ's, his Godhead, or manhood? Answer. (4) Phil. 2.6.7.8. 1. Pet. 3. 1st. His Godhead can not suffer, it was therefore his manhood. Question. What suffered he in soul? Answer. (5) Math. 27 4●. luk. 22.44. Hellish torments to acquit our souls. Question. What suffered he in body? Answer. (1) Math. 27.59 math 15.37. luk. 23.46. Death temporal, to deliver us from death eternal. Question. I perceive then, that he gave body for body, and soul for souls. Answer. He did so. Question. How know'st thou this to be for thee? Answer. By the certificate of God's spirit, faith, and the Sacraments. Question. Why, what doth God's spirit? Answer. (2) Rom. 8.16. Certify my spirit, that I am the son of God. Question. What doth faith? Answer. (3) Act. 15.9. rom 10.10. Purify my heart, assuring the same, that Christ with his merits is mine. Question. How is this? Answer. (4) 2. Cor. 5.21. Al my sins became his, & his righteousness by imputation became mine. Question. Whereof cometh this faith? Answer. (1) Rom. 10.17. By hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Question. How is this faith increased & strengthened? Answer. By the word preached, and by sacraments. Question. How many Sacraments? Answer. (2) 1. Cor. 10.1.2.3.4. Two, Baptism, and the lords supper. Question. What is the sign in Baptism? Answer. (3) Act. 8.36. Water. Question. What is the thing signified? Answer. (4) 1. joh. 1.7 Christ's blood, cleansing us from all sin. Question. What benefit have we by Baptism. Answer. (1) 1. Pet. 3.21. acts 2.41. acts. 2.38. rom. 6.6. Incorporation into the visible church, assurance of God's promise: and that as water washeth away all filthiness of body, so by Christ we are washed from all evil of body and soul, teaching us also our new birth. Question. What doth the lords supper? Answer. (2) 1. Cor. 11.26. acts. 2.42. 1. cor. 10.17. Set out the lords death, seal up God's promise, and teach us love one with an other. Question. What are the parts hereof? Answer. (3) Math. 26.26. mat. 14.22.23. luk. 22.19.20. 1. Cor. 11.23.25. Visible signs, & invisible graces? Question. What are the visible signs? Answer. Bread, and Wine. Question. What are the invisible graces? Answer. (4) Rom. 4.25. rom. 5.9. Full redemption and justification by jesus Christ. Question. Why is there used both Bread and Wine? Answer. (1) joh. 6.55.56 To teach us the Christ is our meat, and Christ is our drink. Question. The bread than is not Christ's body? Answer. (2) Act. 3.21. luk. 22.19. heb. 10.14. No, for bodily the heavens hold him till the day of the resurrection of all things, but it represents his body, as the mine doth his blood, showing, that by one oblation he hath consecrated for ever them that are sanctified. Question. Why then, Masses are blasphemous, and massmongers and such as seek salvation by works blasphemers? Answer. They are so, for that they rest not upon this only sacrifice. Question. But yet the works must be done? Answer. (3) Ephe. 2.10. luk. 17. ●0. I grant so, but not our will works, but such as God hath commanded, and then to have no trust in them: so when we have done all we can, we are unprofitable servants. Question. How must we come to the supper? Answer. (1) 1. Cor. 11.28. 2 cor 7.10 galat. 6.15. 2. cor. 13.5. 1. cor. 10.17. math. 26.30. math. 14.26. First in examination of ourselves, whether we have a Godly sorrow for our sins past, and purpose of new life. 2. Whether we have faith to take hold of Christ and his righteousness. 3. Whether we have love, declaring us one body. 4. Whether thankfulness to God for his benefits. Question. Whence cometh it if we so come? Answer. (2) jac. 1 17. ioh. 16.23. 1 cor 11.9. 1. cor. 11.33. 1. cor. 14.16. Of the grace of God. Question. How is that obtained? Answer. By prayer made in Christ's name. Question. Then, that we eat not, or drink not unworthily, and so have damnation, it is good we come together in prayer, joining with the Minster in the congregation; that we worthily take it. Answer. God grant us so to do. Amen. W. HORN. A most easy and plain instruction for all Christians. Question. Whether art thou a sinner or not Answer. I am a sinner, & by nature a (1) Rom. 3.9. eph. 2.1.3. 1 john. 1.8. child of wrath most worthy of eternal damnation. Question. How becamest thou a sinner, and child of wrath? Answer. By the fall and transgression (2) Gen 3.6. of Adam: (3) Psal 51.5. rom. 5.12. for we coming of him that was corrupt are corrupt as he was. Question. What is sin? Answer. Sin is the transgression of the (4) 1. joh. 2.4.15. law of God: (5) Mat. 5.22.27. & 12.36. iam. 3.2. be it either by thought, word, or deed. Question. By what means cometh the knowledge of sin? Answer. By the law (1) Rom 5.20. & 7.7. of God. Question. What is the reward of sin? Answer. The reward of sin, (2) Rom. 6.23. math. 25.41. is eternal death. Question. What is the remedy and means to be delivered from that eternal death which sin deserveth? Answer. (3) joh. 14.6.25. Only our Lord and saviour jesus Christ, (4) Rom. 4. who hath died to deliver us from our sins, and rose again to justify us. Question. By what means shall we know that the death of Christ is profitable for us to deliver us from our sins, and to reconcile us to God? Answer. (5) joh. 6.3.16. acts. 13.39. rom. 3.25. By faith which Gods spirit worketh in our hearts. Question. What is the means to come to faith, whereby we apprehend jesus Christ with his righteousness? Answer. (1) Rom. 10.17. acts. 2.37.38.41. 1. cor. 4.15. The means to come to faith, and to have the same increase in us: is the ministry of the word or Gospel of God and the Sacraments, with continual and hearty prayer to God for his grace and blessing in the same. Question. Seeing that by the law cometh the knowledge of sin: and the ten commandments, contain the sum of the law: it shall be profitable to know what sins the Lord condemneth and forbiddeth, and what virtue he requireth in each commandment. Therefore rehearse the commandments. Answer. (2) Exod. 20. deut. 5. Hear O Israel, I am the lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, and out of the house of bondage, etc. Question. What doth the Lord teach us by this preface? Answer. In that he saith (1) Gen. 17.1. levit. 19.12. &. 20.17. deut. 32.39. I am the Lord thy God: he showeth his almighty power and excellent majesty. Also the high authority he hath over his people. And when he saith, he brought them out of the land of (2) isaiah. 1.2. & 5. 4. ezek 16. rom. 2.4. Egypt, and out of the house of bondage. He setteth forth his infinite goodness, and so giveth a reason to stir up the people of Israel unto the obedience of his laws: unless they will show themselves, both rebellious and disobedient to his power and authority, and unthankful for his goodness. So (3) Rom. 9.25. 1. pet. 2.10. now seeing the lord hath delivered us out of the bondage of sin, and from the tyranny of the Devil, and blesseth us with his manifold benefits, both for our bodies and souls: the same reason serveth no less for us than it did for them. Question. Rehearse the first commandment. Answer. Thou shalt have none other Gods before me. Question. What doth the Lord require of us in this commandment? Answer. First, that we should acknowledge him to be the (1) jam. 1 17. fountain and giver of all good things, (2) Psa. 115.3.135.6. eph. 1.11. and the preserver and governor of all things. Secondly, (3) Deut. 10.12. mal. 1.6. that we fear, reverence, and love him above all things. Thirdly, that our (4) jer. 17.7. eph. 1.12.13. trust and confidence be fixed and stayed in him only. Fourthly, that we (5) Psal. 50.15. rom. 10.12. iam. 1.5. call upon him in faith: for what soever things we stand in need of, either for our souls or bodies. Fiftly, that we (6) Psal. 50.14. ephe. 5.20. thes. 5.18. heb. 13.15. be thankful to him for all his gifts. Question. What sins doth the Lord forbidden and condemn in this commandment? Answer. All those which be contrary to the virtues required. As not to (7) isaiah. 31.1.2. ie. 17.5. & 48 7. acknowledge him to be the fountain and giver of all good-thinges, the preserver and governor of all things, or to attribute the same to any other, or to transfer that fear, reverence, and love, trust or confidence, that is due to God: to any thing else; whatsoever it be, or in our necessity to call upon any other, etc. Question. Rehearse the second commandment? Answer. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, nor in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them, for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and show mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Question. What sin doth God forbid and condemn in this commandment. Answer. That we should think God to be like either man or woman, or any other creature whatsoever it be (1) Deu. 4.15.16 esa. 40.18. 1. tim. 6.16. and therefore, the we make no image of God to express him by. Secondly, that we make no image of any other thing, for religion, either to worship (2) Exo. 32. psa 97.7. & 106.36. the image itself, either God, saint, or angel by the image, neither yet to this end to be the better put in mind of God by the image. Question. What doth God require of us in this commandment? Answer. That we should worship God (3) joh. 4.23. deut. 5.32.12 32. according to his word and ordinance, and not after (4) Esay. 29 13. mat. 15.9. our fantasies or commandements of men. Question. What have we to learn by the the addition? Answer. In the same the Lord doth stir us to the obedience of his commandments by a double reason, of the one side to fly sin, for (5) Exod. 34.7. levit. 26.14. deut. 28.15. luk. 13.3. fear of his iuctice, and on the other to follow virtue for the (1) levit. 26.3. deut. 28.1. esai. 1.19. mat 5.3.7. promise of his mercy. Question. Rehearse the third commandment? Answer. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Question. What doth God forbid in this commandment? Answer. The Lord in this commandment forbiddeth and condemneth all (2) levit. 24.11.14.16. blaspheming of the name of God, all (3) levit. 19.12 zach. 5.3. mal. 3.5. perjury or forswearing, and all unlawful or vain swearing, be it by the name of God directly, or indirectly by his (4) Math. 5.34. & 23.22. creatures, and all abuse of his holy name, by (5) Exod. 22.18. micha. 5.12. mal. 3.5. witchcraft, sorcery, or charming, or cursed speaking, or in any wise to think or speak of the name of God without great reverence of his majesty. Question. What doth the Lord require of us in this commandment? Answer. That whensoever we be required to take an oath for confirmation of truth, to the glory of God, or the profit of our brethren, we should with all reverence call (1) Deut. 6.13. jere. 4.2. heb. 6.16. God to witness for the truth, and that when we either speak or think of him we should do it with all (2) jere. 10.6.7. psalm. 8.1. reverence of his majesty. And to stir us to fly these evils, and to move us to use his holy name in all reverence: he threateneth that he will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain, but culpable of the (3) Deu. 28.26.27. curse of God and eternal damnation. Question. Rehearse the fourth Commandment? Answer. Remember thou keep holy the sabbath day. Six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy some and thy daughter, thy man servant, and thy maid servant, thy cattle, and the stranger, that is with in thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day. Wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hollowed it. Question. What doth the Lord require of us in this commandment? Answer. That we should sanctify the sabbath day, in (1) Exo. 16.26. deut. 5.4. resting from our own bodily labours in worldly things. And in one place to assemble ourselves together, with fear and reverence, (2) Math. 13.54 luk 4.16. acts. 20.7. to hear, mark, and lay up in our hearts, the word of God preached and taught unto us. And to pray (3) 1. Cor. 14.15. together, in one consent & unity of spirit. And at the times appointed to use the (4) 1. Cor. 11.23.28.29. sacraments in faith and repentance. And all our life to rest from (5) Heb. 4.9.10 11. wickedness: that the Lord by his holy spirit may work in us, his good work: that so we may begin in this life, the everlasting rest. (6) Exo. 20. deut. 5. To stir us unto these duties the Lord setteth forth the example of his own rest. etc. Answer. Rehearse the fift commandment. Question. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may belong in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Question. What understandest thou by honour? Answer Fear, reverence, and love, showed forth (1) Leu. 19.3. eph. 6.1. colo. 3.10. by obedience to their commandments, by assisting them in all good: & by (2) Mat. 15.6. rereleeving them in their necessities. The vices contrary are condemned. Question. What understand you by father and mother? Answer. Not only natural parents, but also all (3) Exo. 22.28. leu. 19.32. rom. 13.1. magistrates and governors, pastors or ministers, and schoolmasters, (4) Eph. 5.6. col. 3.28. masters of households, and all superiors ordained of God, to the defending and guiding of their inferiors. To stir them to the obedience of this commandment, the Lord addeth his promise to bless them with long life. Question. Rehearse the sixth commandment. Answer. Thou shalt do no murder. Question. What doth the Lord forbidden and condemn in this commandment? Answer. The Lord in this commandment forbiddeth not only all unlawful (1) Gen 9.6. murder or killing in act: but also all hatred, (2) levit. 19.17.18. mat. 5.22 1. iohn. 3.15. malice, anger, and all desire of vengeance. And all quarreling, fight, mocks and taunts, proceeding of the same, and all occasions of provoking to anger. etc. Question. What is required in this commandment? Answer. That we should (3) Math. 5.44. rom. 12.17.18.19. love our neighbours as ourselves: which must be showed in care to preserve life, in helping relieving and comforting one another. Question. Rehearse the seventh commandment. Answer. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Question. What doth the Lord forbidden and condemn in this commandment? Answer. Not only all adultery and fornication, and unlawful society of man and woman (1) Levi. 18.20. & 20.10. deut. 23.17. in act: but also all unchaste (2) Math. 5.28. thoughts and unlawful lusts of the heart, and all occasions that might serve to provoke thereunto, Question. What is required in this commandment. Answer. That we should lead our lives in all (3) 1. Cor. 6.15.19. 1. thes. 4.4. chastity both in souls and bodies, as pure Temples of the holy Ghost, etc. Question. Which is the eight Commandment? Answer. Thou shalt not steal. Question. What doth God forbid and condemn in this commandment? Answer. first all robbing and stealing in act. (1) Leu. 19.11. Secondly all extortion and oppression. (2) 1. The 4.6. eph. 4.28. Thirdly all deceit in buying and selling, (3) Ephe. 3.5. and unlawful desire to enrich ourselves with hurt or loss of our neighbours. Question. What is required of us in this commandment? Answer. first that we be (4) 1. Tim. 6.6. content with that portion which God hath given us, not seeking to augment it by unlawful means. Secondly, that every one of us (5) 2. The. 3.10. travel faithfully in his calling. Thirdly, to be (6) 1. Tim. 6.18. eph. 4.28. heb. 13 16. helpful to them that need. Question. Which is the ninth Commandment? Answer. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Question. What is forbidden and condemned in this commandment? Answer. First, we are forbidden to speak falsely in (1) Exo. 23.1. pio. 19.5. judgement when we be requires to bear witness. Secondly, all (2) Psal. 15.3. ephe. 4.25. backbiting of any man, all lying, flattering or dissembling. Thirdly, it is forbidden to speak evil of our brethren for private offences, (3) Math. 18.15. if by private admonitions they may be won. Question. What is required of us in this commandment? Answer. The virtues which be contrary to these vices, as to speak truth, in witness bearing, & to have like regard to the (4) Mat. 7.12. credit of others as we would they should have of ours. Question, Which is the tenth Commandment? Answer, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, his servant, his maid, his ore, his ass, nor any thing that is his. Question, What doth the Lord forbidden and condemn in this commandment? Answer. All evil thoughts, light motions, (1) Psal. 19.12. rom. 7.7. & sudden affections, and showeth that though we never purpose them, nor yet willingly consent to them, yet they are sins. Question. What doth the Lord require of us in this commandment? Answer. That our consciences and the very (2) Psal. 51.6. 1. cor. 7.1. ephe. 4.24. thoughts of our hearts be kept upright before the Lord. Question. What understand you by this word neighbour? Answer. Our Lord jesus Christ showeth (1) Luk. 10.30 the all people be they friends or enemies, familiar with us or strangers, are to be esteemed our neighbours. Question. What is the sum of this law? Answer. It is this in few words as (2) Mat. 22.37. Christ teacheth us. First thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Secondly, and thy neighbour as thyself. Question. Is any man able to keep these commandments as God requireth? Answer. No man (3) job. 4.18.19 & 15.15. rom. 3.10. hath, can, or shall, but only jesus Christ who hath fulfilled them: and by his obedience, (4) Acts. 13.39. rom. 3.24. & 10.4. all that believe in him are justified. Question. If no man can keep this Law, nor be justified thereby: what profit have Christians by the knowledge of the same? Answer. First, it is to the Children of God a true (1) Psal. 1.2. & 219.1.9. rule of righteousness, To teach them how they ought to walk. Secondly, it teacheth man to cast (2) Rom. 3.4.23 ●ff all trust or confidence in his own righteousness. Thirdly; (3) Rom. 3.19. it 〈…〉 the pride of man and humbleth him before God. Fourthly, having showed us our misery, it is (4) Galat. 3.24. 〈◊〉 schoolmaster to direct us unto Christ. Question. What works are acceptable to God? Answer. Those which be ruled and done according to the (5) Deut. 12.28.32. math. 19.16. word of God, proceeding from a heart (6) Rom. 14.23. heb. 11.6. purged by faith. Question. Can those works justify us before God? Answer. No, for that were to deny the (7) Galat. 5.4. merits of Christ. Question. Wherefore then should we do good works: seeing we are not justified by them? Answer. First to show our love (1) john. 14.19. math. 5.16. to God in glorifying of him as becometh his children. Secondly, to profit our brethren to (2) Math. 15. heb. 13. help them in their necessities and to win (3) 1. Pet. 2.1. & 3.1. them by our good example of life. Thirdly, to give testimony of our faith (4) 2. Pet. 1.10. & election by the fruits and effects thereof. Question. What is faith? Answer. Faith is an assured (5) Rom. 4.3.13 heb. 10.22. & 11.1. persuasion of God's fatherly good will towards us, grounded upon his free promises (6) 2. Cor. 1.20. in Christ. Question. Where is it planted? Answer. In the heart. (7) Rom. 10 9 Question. By whom is faith wrought in man? Answer. By the holy Ghost. (8) Eph. 1.13. & 3.16.17. Question. What profit have we by faith? Answer. I am assured by it, that all (1) 2. Cor. 5.21. the benefits of Christ's passion and his righteousness, is as surely mine, as if I had wrought them myself. Question. Rehearse the sum of this faith. Answer. I believe in God the father almighty maker of heaven and earth. And in jesus Christ his only begotten son our Lord, which was conceived by the holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Poncious Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell, and the third day he rose again from death, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge both the quick and the dead. I believe in the holy ghost. The holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. So be it. Question. How many parts are contained in this confession? Answer. Four, the first concerning God the Father. The second, concerning God the Son. The third, concerning God the holy Ghost. The fourth concerning God's people called the church, and the gifts of God to the same Church. Question. What do you learn in the first part? Answer. First, that God who is almighty and maker of heaven and earth, and (1) john. 1.12. rom. 8.14.15 16. gal. 3.26. all that therein is: is my father and I his child by grace in Christ jesus. Secondly, he being almighty and Lord of all, and I his Child, he both can, and will, defend and keep me, and provide for me that I shall (2) Psal. 34.9.10 mat. 6.32. rom. 6.27.28 lack nothing, that he seethe to be good for me. Question. What learn you in the second part? Answer. First, in that he is called jesus, I learn, that he is the (3) Math. 1.21. saviour, to save his people from their sins. Secondly, in that he is called Christ which is anointed, he is a (4) Dan. 7.14. luk. 1.33. king to reign over his Church for ever, and a (1) Deu. 18.15. act 3.22. Prophet to teach his fathers will perfectly. And a Priest to offer himself (2) Psa. 110.4. heb. 1.3. & 9 14. in sacrifice, for the sins of the people. The which were figured by the anointing of Kings, Prophets and Priests under the law. Thirdly, when I acknowledge him to be the only son of God: I learn that he is (3) Esay. 9.6. rom. 9.5. phil. 2.6. God equal with the father from everlasting: and therefore able (4) john. 3.16. heb. 9.14.28 & 10.12.13. to bear what so ever was due for our sins, and of power to save those that trust in him. Fourthly, by his miraculous conception by the holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin: I learn that he is Messiah (5) Esay. 7.14. & Emmanuel which was foretold by the Prophet Esay. Fiftly, in that he was borne of the Virgin Mary of the seed of David: I learn that he was (6) Heb. 2.11. & 14.4.15. man in all things like to us except sin. And therefore (7) Heb. 2.14.18 & 4,15.16. is ready to have compassion of our infirmities, and to secure those that are tempted, and to bear what so ever is due to us. Sixtly, when it is said, he suffered under Poncious Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, and descended into hell: I learn that our Lord and saviour, willingly, took upon himself our sins and became a (1) Galat. 3.13. curse for us, that we by him might be delivered from the curse due to us for sin. He also suffered a most shameful death and condemnation before men: to deliver (2) Rom. 4.25. & 5.6.10. & 8.1. us from death and condemnation before God. He hath been made a (3) 2. Cor. 5.21. sacrifice for sin: that through him we might be made righteous before God. And hath by virtue of his death destroyed the (4) Rom. 6.11. 1. Pet. 4.1. power of sin in his members. And he was buried for a confirmation of the truth of his death. And when it is said, he descended into hell: I learn that he suffered not only the torments of body due to our bodies: but also the torment and anguish (5) Esay. 53: 10. luk 22.44. mat. 27.46. of soul and conscience to deliver our souls yea that he hath humbled himself to bear the pain and torments of hell for the time, for our salvation. In that Christ rose again the third day from the dead. First I learn that he hath (1) 1. Cor. 15.57. rom. 4.25. overcome death and hell for my justification. Secondly, I learn to rise from sin, (2) Rom. 6.4. col. 3.1. to follow righteousness. Thirdly, by the resurrection of christ we have a gage and testimony of our resurrection, that we shall (3) 1. Cor. 15.16 rise again at the last day. In that he is ascended, into heaven: I learn that his ascension is a pledge to us, that we shall ascend (4) john. 14.3. after him thither where he is. And in that he sitteth at the right hand of God. I learn that all power is given unto him in heaven and earth, and that he all (5) Mat. 28.18. ephe. 1.20. creatures subject unto him, & that he (6) Rom. 8.32. maketh intercession for us. In that which he said: that Christ shall come to judge the quick and dead. First, I learn, that he which (7) job. 19.25. math. 19.28. shall be judge is our saviour: and therefore his coming shall be for our salvation. Secondly, to the (8) 2. The. 1.8. rom. 1.7. math. 25.41. terror of the ungodly that he shall be their judge whom they have refused and despised. Question. What learn you in the third part? Answer. First, I learn that the holy Ghost, is very God (1) Mat. 28 19 ioh. 14.26. equal with the father and the son: and that he printeth in our hearts the (2) Eph 1.13. & 4.30. promises of God made unto us in jesus Christ, and beareth (3) Rom. 8.16. witness to our spirits that we are the children of God. And worketh in us the (4) Rom. 8,10. ephe. 4.23. hatred of sin: & stirreth us up to holiness of life. Question. What learn you in the fourth part? Answer. first I acknowledge and believe that God hath a Catholic, that is to say, an (5) Mat. 28.19. act 10.35. universal Church: which is the number of God's elect (6) 1. Kin. 19.18. rom. 11.4. ephe. 1.4. people, that he hath chosen out of all Nations to eternal life, and (7) Eph. 5.26.12 sanctified in jesus Christ. And in this Church there is a (8) 1. Cor. 12. eph. 4.13. communion and fellowship of saints, and true faithful people: all which the Lord (9) 2. Tim. 2.19. knoweth to be his, of which number, I believe myself to be one. Question. What difference is there between the invisible Church and the visible? Answer. The invisible Church comprehendeth all the elect of God from the beginning of the worlds unto the end thereof. And the visible Church are those that yet remain in this vale of misery, holding the profession of faith and the doctrine of jesus Christ. Now the marks to know the visible Church are, the true (1) Math. 28.19. preaching of the Gospel or word of God, the right administration of the (2) 1. Cor. 11.23. sacraments, (3) 2. Cor. ●. 5. and discipline. In these words the forgiveness of sins: I learn, that both I myself, (4) 1. john. 1.7. revi. 1.6. and all that truly believe in jesus Christ, are so washed and cleansed from their sins, and have them so forgiven in Christ, that they shall (5) jete. 31.31. heb. 8.12. never be laid unto their charge. And in these words, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. I learn that these mortal bodies of the faithful, (1) job. 19.25. dan. 12.2. i. cor. 15.42. shall be raised up at the last day, and shall be covered again with their skin, and shall be made like to the glorious body of jesus (2) Phil. 3.22. dani. 12.3. christ according to his mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. And after this resurrection, shall enjoy (3) Math. 25.46. col. 3.4. everlasting life with Christ in the glory of his Father. Question. By what means is this faith maintained, increased and strengthened in us? Answer. The ordinay means are. First the (4) Rom. 10.17. preaching of the word, as is the showed before. Secondly, the true use of the (5) Mat. 26.26. & 28.29. sacraments. (6) 2. Cor. 5.5. Thirdly, discipline. The (7) Mat. 6.6. mar. 11.24. fourth earnest prayer. Question. What is a sacrament? Answer. A Sacrament is a visible sign ordained (8) Mat. 28.19. mat. 26.26. mar. 1.4. 1. cor. 11.26. 〈◊〉 God to confirm our faith in the truth of his promises, concerning his invisible graces, in Christ jesus, with a mutual protesting of the honour that we bear unto him. Question. How many sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church? Answer. Two, Baptism, and (1) Math. 28.19. & 26.26. the supper of the Lord. Question. How many parts are there in a Sacrament? Answer. Two, the outward sign, and the invisible grace. Question. What is the outward sign in Baptism? Answer. (2) Mat. 3.11. Water, wherewith the party to be baptized is dipped or sprinkled: in the name (3) Math. 28.19. of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost. Question. What is the invisible grace in Baptism? Answer. First, it signifieth, that as our bodies are washed with water: so our (1) Mar. 1.4. acts. 2.38. sins are washed away, and forgiven us by the blood of Christ. Secondly, it setteth before us our regeneration (2) Rom. 6.3.4. tit 2.5. or spiritual new birth, to be showed forth in dying unto sin, and rising to newness of life. Question. What is the outward sign in the lords supper? Answer. Bread and wine (3) Mat. 26.26.27. both of which the Lord hath expressly commanded all to receive. Question. What is the invisible grace signified by the bread and wine? Answer. The body (4) Luke. 22.19. 1. cor. 11.25. of Christ broken and his blood shed for us, together with all the benefits of his passion. Question. How are the outward signs received? Answer. They are received with the hand, eaten (1) 1. Cor. 11.14 with the mouth, and digested with the stomach. Question. How are the invisible graces received? Answer. They are received only by (2) joh. 6.35.53.54.55. faith, whereby we feed of them, as of a food, given us of everlasting life. Question. Why did God choose those creatures of Bread and Wine, to represent unto us, the body and blood of Christ, rather than any other earthly creatures? Answer. Because there are none other earthly creatures that can so aptly represent unto our outward senses, those things that God would have us to learn by this sacrament? Question. What be those things which God would have us to learn by this Sacrament? Answer. By the (3) Mat. 26.27. mar. 14.15. luk. 22.23 .. breaking of the bread, we have to learn: the breaking of the body of Christ upon the Cross, and by the pouring forth of the wine, the shedding of his blood. And by the distributing to all that are present: Christ's (1) joh. 6.55.56.57. 1. cor. 10.16. communicating himself to all that will faithfully receive him. By the eating and drinking, we learn: that as Bread and Wine do nourish our bodies in this life: So Christ's body and blood (2) joh. 6.57. ioh. 15.4. , do nourish our souls to life everlasting. And as the substance of Bread and Wine, by digestion passeth into the substance of our bodies, even so by faith, Christ and we are united with an unspeakable union, and made flesh of his flesh, (3) Eph. 5.30. and bone of his bones, And that as of many grain is made one lose, and of many grapes one wine: (4) Cor. 10.17. so we being many are one body in Christ, and mutually members one of an other. Question. Is the Bread and Wine tourred into the body and Blood of Christ? Answer. No, for if you take away the sign that may be seen: it is no sacrament, for there is no sacrament without a visible sign? Question. For as much as the unworthy receivers are guilty of the body and blood of Christ, and do (1) 1. Cor. 11.29. eat and drink their own damnation as Saint Paul testifieth. What is required of us to be worthy receivers? Answer. To examine (2) 1. cor. 11.28. ourselves whether we be true members of Christ or no. Question. By what tokens shall we know this? Answer. First if we heartily (3) isaiah. 1.16. joel. 2.12 13. 1. cor 11.18.20. repent us of our sins, by an earnest sorrow and deslation of the same, with an earnest mind and determinate purpose to lead our lives Godly hereafter. Next if we stay ourselves and rest in (4) Mar. 16.16. heb. ●0. 22. & 11.6. a sure hope and true faith of God's mercy thorough Christ, with a thankful remembrance of our redemptiom, purchased by his death. And finally, seeing in the Lord's supper is contained a token (1) isaiah. 1.17. mat. 5.23.24 john. 13.34. of friendship and love among men, we bear bretherly love to our neighbours, that is to all men, without any evil will or hatred. Question. What is discipline? Answer. It is, the orderly (2) Math. 18.15. &. 20. government reprehentions and corrections used in the Church proceeding of love. Question. To what end? Answer. first, that the name of God and of Christ (3) Rom. 2.24. tit. 2.5. be not evil spoken of and reproached, by the evil suffered in the Church. Secondly, that the good be not (4) 1. Cor. 4.6. 1. tim. 5.20. corrupted, by the evil example of the wicked. Thirdly, that the offenders (5) 1. Cor. 5.5. 2. the. 3.14. might be brought to repentance and amendment of life. Question. Seeing God knoweth whereof we have need before we ask: wherefore should we pray? Answer. first, to stir up ourselves to (1) Psal. 105.4. & 119.2. seek him. Secondly, to (2) Psal. 119.41.58.76. exercise our faith, in meditating upon his promises. Thirdly, that we may discharge and unload our consciences in (3) Psal, 55.22. 1. pet. 5.7. casting our cares into the bosom of God. Fourthly, that we testify to ourselves and to others, that we hope and seek for all good things (4) jam. 1.17. psa. 145.15.16 from God alone. Question. What things belong to true prayer? Answer. first it is requisite that we make our prayer to God (5) Psa. 50.15. rom. 10.14. mat. 4.10. only through (6) joh. 14.13.14 Christ, and not to saints. Secondly, that we be inwardly touched with the necessity (7) Rom. 8.26. 2. ioh. 5.14. of the things that we ask, having our minds wholly (8) Psa. 145.18.19. mat. 6.7.8. bend there upon, and not carried away with any by thoughts. Thirdly, that our prayers be grounded upon God's (9) Math. 7.7. & 21.22. mar. 11.24. 1. ioh. 5.25. promises with full assurance that they shall be granted, so far as the Lord doth know them to be meet and needful for us. Fourthly, that we continue (1) Lu. 18.1.2.3. rom. 12.12. 1. thes. 5.17. mat. 15.12. in prayer, although we have not our request at the first. Fiftly, that we ask not those things that we think good in our own (2) jam. 4.3. fantasy, but only that which God (3) Rom. 8.26. 1. ioh. 14. mat. 6.9. commandeth us to ask of him, all which things be contained in the lords prayer. Question. Rehearse the lords prayer. Answer. Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory for ever. Amen. Question. How many principal parts are there of this prayer? Answer. first a persuasion to pray in these words, Our father which art in heaven. Secondly, the sum of prayer contained in the six petitions. Thirdly, an assurance of that we pray for, contained in the conclusion, for thine is kingdom, etc. Question. What persuasion have we in these words? Our father, etc. Answer. First, in that he is (1) Psal. 103.13. 2. cor. 6.18. a Father and not a Tyrant, we are encouraged to come to him. Secondly, that he is our (2) Rom. 1.7. 1. cor. 1.3. Father, and therefore loveth us. Thirdly, that (3) isaiah. 66.1. acts. 7.48. heaven is his throne, and therefore he is able to help. Question. How many parts are in the six petitions? Answer. They may be comprehended in two parts. The first three petitions concerneth the glory of God. The second, concerneth the necessity of man, set down in the last three petitions. Question. What desirest thou of God in the first petition: hallowed by thy name? Answer. First I desire of my heavenly father, that his name be hallowed or sanctified. First in his excellent (1) Psal. 113.2. & 145.1.10.21. rom. 11.36. & 16.27. works: which is, when we acknowledge his mercy, wisdom, justice, and providence, and that he alone worketh all things, and that only the Lord God 〈…〉 in honour, all other set a 〈◊〉 Secondly, that his name be glorified 〈◊〉 Godly (2) Mat. 5.16. 1. cor. 10. ●1. life and conversation. Question. What desire you of God in the second petition? Thy kingdom come. Answer. In the second petition we desire that God his kingdom may come, that is: that he will show himself, to be king (3) Math. 3.2. & 13.31. 2. the. 3.5. (〈◊〉 his Church, in 〈◊〉, defending and increasing the number of the faithful. (4) Mat. 9 ●8. ephe. 6.19. By thrusting forth labourers into his 〈◊〉, and in blessing their labours suppressing (5) Rom. 16.20. 2. the. 3.2. the rage of wicked tyrants, and that he wit 〈…〉 kingdom severally, in every 〈…〉, (6) Rom. 6.6. & 8.10. 1. ioh 3.9. killing sin in us, and all worldly care, and renewing us to righteousness of life. Question. What desire you in the third petition? Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Answer. In the third petition we desire that Gods (1) Luk. 22.42. 1. pet. 4.19. 1. ioh. 2.17. will may be done, that in, that we may willingly in all things resign ourselves to Gods will, without murmuring or grudging, and walk in true (2) Rom. 12.2. eph. 5.17. obedience of his will, after the example of the (3) Psal. 103.20. Angels in heaven. Question. What do you ask in the fourth petition? Answer. In the fourth petition, we pray, that he will give us (walking faithfully in our calling) our daily (4) Gen. 3.19. 2. thes. 3.8. psal. 146.7. bread: What is all things needful for the preservation and nourishment of our bodies in this natural life. And here we have to learn, first that we do not thing these earthly 〈◊〉, That set 〈◊〉 for the nourishment and preservation of our bodies, as of ourselves, (1) Psal. 145.16. Psal 146.7. mat. 6.32.33. for they are the gifts of God. Secondly, that we ought to seek them at (2) Gen. 28.20. psa. 107.5.6. the hands of God. Thirdly, that we ought to be (3) john. 6.11. 1. tim. 4.4. thankful to God for the same. Question. What desire you in the fift petition? Answer. In the fift petition, we pray that our sins may be (4) Psal. 32.1. dan. 9.19. hose. 14.2. forgiven us, and that he will not ●aye to our charge our sins and offences, nor the punishment due to them: but that he will except the death and passion of (5) 3. Pet. 1.19. 1. ioh. 1.7. Christ, as the full satisfaction for our sins, and that we may hereof have full assurance in our consciences, that the punishment of our sins, is fully discharged in Christ, and therefore freely forgiven us, as surely as we do feel that we (6) Math. 6.14. mar. 11.25. ephe. 4. 3●. forgive others. And that we love one an other, from the bottom of our hearts, (7) Mat. ●. 39.44 45. rom. 12.17.19.20. all desire of revenge, set aside. And here we have also 〈…〉, First, that all (1) isaiah. 53.6. iom. 3.23. men are sinners. Secondly, that, (2) 1. joh. 1.8.9. 〈◊〉 can not satisfy, but must seek forgiveness. Thirdly that none can forgive sins, (3) Esay. 43.25. mar. 3.7. but God only. Fourthly, that to (4) Math. 6.15. mar. 11.26. the in a 〈◊〉 man that will not forgive 〈…〉 no forgiveness. Question. What do you demand in the sixth petition? lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Answer. In the sixth petition we pray, that we be not delivered to the power (5) Rom 16.20. of Satan: and that we be no further (6) 1. Cor. 1.13. tempted, than God give us power to bear and overcome. And that he (7) Eph. 6.10.16.17. iam. 4.7. 1. pet. 5.9. would deliver us, and make us victorious over sin and the Devil. And here me have to learn: first that all Christians are in (8) Eph. 6.10.12 & 18. 1 pet. 5.8. 〈◊〉, and have need to 〈◊〉 watch and pray. Secondly, that we are all (9) Pro 20.34. jere. 10.23. rom. 7.19. weak and have need of help. Thirdly, that 〈◊〉 (10) job. 1.2. math. 8.; 3 can do nothing unless the Lords give him leave. Fourthly, that the Lord is our deliverer (11) Psal. 54.19. & 146.7.19. out of all temptations. Question. 〈…〉 Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, etc. Answer. First, these words should (1) 1. Chro. 29.3. rom. 11.36. kindle our hearts to desire the glory of God. Secondly, that our prayers be grounded upon none (2) Psal. 50.15. mat. 4.10. but God only. Thirdly, that his kingdom, power and glory: is almighty and everlasting, (3) 1. Chr. 29.10 11,12. revel. 4.10.11 and that he only is to be honoured and glorified. 〈…〉 confirmed in the assurance of that we pray for. And in this word 〈◊〉 is expressed our fervent 〈…〉 (4) Rom. 16.27. 1. pet. 5.1. revel. 7.12. is obtain those things which we ask of God: and our hope is confirmed, that those things which we ask are granted unto us: by which our consciences are pacified. And so we end our prayers. Question. Where find you that there ought to be any such examination? Answer. I find that our Saviour Christ after that he had taught his Disciples, did again (1) Mat 13.51. & 16.13 & 17.25. ioh. 6.5. examine them: how they had profited. And in examining them, did teach them further. FINIS.